Israel slams Ireland over Palestine

Israel has slammed the decision of the Irish parliament to adopt a non-binding resolution supporting an independent Palestinian state.

Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon accused the Irish parliament of giving voice to “statements of hatred and anti-Semitism directed at Israel in a way which we have not heard before”.

Some Irish deputies accused Israel of genocide during the parliamentary debate on Palestinian recognition.

Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said Ireland is considering early recognition of Palestinian statehood as a possible tactic for kick-starting Middle East peace talks.

Politicians in Britain, France and Spain have already passed similar motions calling on their governments to follow Sweden, which on October 30 became the first western European Union member to recognise Palestinian statehood.